Exercise and computer use may reduce memory loss

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Using a computer and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of memory problems by 75 per cent a study has found.

New research from the Mayo Clinic has revealed that a combination of moderate exercise along with mentally stimulating activities, such as using a computer, help decrease the chances of having memory loss in people older than 70 years.

The combination of the two activities was found to protect memory function more than just a computer use or exercise alone.

The study involved 926 people aged between 70 and 93 who completed questionnaires about their lifestyle over the previous year.

Moderate physical exercise was defined as brisk walking, hiking, aerobics, strength training, golfing without a golf cart, swimming, doubles tennis, yoga, martial arts, using exercise machines and weightlifting. However, it wasn't made clear how much the participants actually exercised.

“We know that from our previous studies, physical exercise is independently associated with better memory and computer use is independently associated with better memory,” said study’s author, Dr. Yonas Geda, a physician scientist with Mayo Clinic in Arizona and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.

“We found that this combination had a synergistic interaction. It means two plus three becomes eight instead of just five.”

“The aging of baby boomers is projected to lead to dramatic increases in the prevalence of dementia.

“As frequent computer use has becoming increasingly common among all age groups, it is important to examine how it relates to aging and dementia. Our study further adds to this discussion.”